sk.newmuse

The Korean Business Research Institute has officially revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for individual girl group members. The rankings are always determined through an analysis of the consumer participation, media coverage, communication, and community awareness indexes of 632 boy group members, using big data collected from September 16 - October 15.

October 21′ TOP 30 Boy Group Members:

-Left to Right-

1. BTS’s Jimin [7,654,771]

2. BTS’s V [5,663,845]

3. BTS’s Jungkook [5,473,457]

4. ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo [4,837,410]

5. BTS’s Jin [4,329,822]

6. Highlight’s Yoseob [2,889,121]

7. BTS’s Suga [2,683,538]

8. NCT’s Taeyong [2,516,118]

9. BTS’s RM [2,322,262]

10. WINNER’s Mino [2,259,413]

11. BIGBANG’s G-Dragon [2,048,111]

12. BTS’s J-Hope [1,902,681]

13. SF9’s Rowoon [1,635,453]

14. NCT’s Doyoung [1,616,692]

15. NCT’s Jaehyun [1,593,512]

16. NCT’s Jungwoo [1,424,298]

17. SHINee’s Jonghyun [1,372,848]

18. SHINee’s Minho [1,329,293]

19. THE BOYZ’s Younghoon [1,263,536]

20. SHINee’s Key [1,210,892]

21. 2PM’s Junho [1,152,647]

22. NCT’s Mark [1,108,752]

23. THE BOYZ’s Hyunjae [1,033,115]

24. Highlight’s Doojoon [1,027,023]

25. JYJ’s Jaejoong [1,015,942]

26. GOT7’s Jinyoung [1,015,422]

27. WINNER’s Yoon [1,008,503]

28. NCT’s Johnny [845,671]

29. EXO’s D.O. [836,906]

30. EXO’s Kai [811,825]

The Korean Business Research Institute has officially revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for individual girl group members. These rankings are always determined through an analysis of the consumer participation, media coverage, communication, and community awareness indexes of 579 girl group members, using big data collected from September 17 - October 16.

October 21′ TOP 30 Girl Group Members:

-Left to Right-

1. æspa’s Winter [3,889,780]

2. BLACKPINK’s Jennie [3,273,660]

3. BLACKPINK’s Lisa [3,212,231]

4. æspa’s Karina [3,212,053]

5. æspa’s Giselle [2,185,354]

6. æspa’s Ningning [1,702,907]

7. BLACKPINK’s Jisoo [1,525,302]

8. Red Velvet’s Joy [1,504,401]

9. MAMAMOO’s Hwasa [1,457,139]

10. LOONA’s Chuu [1,415,724]

11. fromis_9’s Hayoung [1,384,301]

12. TWICE’s Mina [1,338,603]

13. BLACKPINK’s Rosé [1,308,017]

14. ITZY’s Lia [1,297,893]

15. ITZY’s Ryujin [1,222,063]

16. Girls’ Generation’s Yoona [1,191,142]

17. Oh My Girl’s Arin [1,155,115]

18. ITZY’s Yeji [1,013,081]

19. Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung [855,976]

20. MAMAMOO’s Solar [789,784]

21. Cherry Bullet’s Jiwon [757,575]

22. PURPLE KISS’s Swan [755,121]

23. STAYC’s Seeun [723,955]

24. ITZY’s Chaeryeong [657,272]

25. Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun [652,263] 

26. Oh My Girl’s Hyojung [638,096]

27. ITZY’s Yuna [624,746]

28. fromis_9’s Nagyung [606,656]

29. Oh My Girl’s Binnie [595,718]

30. fromis_9’s Chaeyoung [587,826]

KOCCA Music Studio has officially revealed its stunning lineup of performing artists for their first-ever virtual concert “ON THE K”!

October 9, 2021, KOCCA Music has officially announced the first ever artists that will be performing at their first virtual concert later this month, these artists are none other than the talents of, 

WOODZ 

ITZY

MONSTA X

CRAVITY

ONF

Super Junior-D&E

Jeong Sewoon

KOCCA Music Studio, which brands themselves as “a place that transcends reality and becomes an ideal”, will use cutting-edge technology to go beyond reality and create a more immersive and spectacular experience for its first online concert and something the fans/viewers of the artists can enjoy in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“ON THE K” will be streamed on October 29, 2021 at 9PM KST through KOCCA Music’s official YouTube channel here.

Official Lineup Announcement Video!

On October 8, 2021, the recent episode of “Music Bank” featured ITZY’s “LOCO” and running up against them was none other than the streak-winning title track “Sticker” by NCT 127, as candidates for first place. In the end, the acclaimed girl group took the crown, ITZY took their 1st win for “LOCO” with 6,033 points, all while NCT 127’s “Sticker” had 3,703 points.

ITZY WINNER CEREMONY+ENCORE:

Congratulations to everyone who made “LOCO” possible & the girls of ITZY on their 1st “LOCO” win!

[211008] “LOCO” MUSIC BANK PERFORMANCE:

Raiden’s 1st Mini Album ‘Love Right Back’ will consist of star-studded collaborations! Featuring the following idols;

TAEIL [NCT/NCT 127]

XIAOJUN [NCT/WayV]

MIYEON [(G)I-DLE]

YOOJUNG [Weki Meki]

Also previously announced, on track ‘Love Right Back’ with Raiden & Taeil will also feature rapper ‘Lil Boi’!

Of course and as expected, the stunning and energetic presence of acclaimed NCT unit NCT 127, has now claimed their well deserved 5th win for their recent comeback “Sticker”! 

September 29, 2021 the episode of “Show Champion”, the candidates for 1st place were: ITZY‘s “LOCO”, NCT 127’s “Sticker”, STAYC’s “STEREOTYPE”, Highlight’s Yang Yoseob’s “BRAIN”, and LeeHi’s “Red Lipstick” (ft. Yoon Mirae).

In the end NCT 127 received the 1st place win & trophy! Members Johnny, Mark, and Taeil, came on to express their gratitude to NCTzen’s and say their acceptance speech:

As expected SHINee’s Key took over the global iTune charts with his First Mini Album “BAD LOVE”. After the release of the MV ‘Hate that...’ with Taeyeon of SNSD who is also a solo artist, let alone the stunning visual teasers of Key, the release of the album and ‘BAD LOVE’ MV was highly anticipated. 

Key released “BAD LOVE” on September 27 at 6PM KST, and needless to say it dominated iTunes ‘Top Albums’ charts in 32 different regions;

United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Finland, Japan, India, Ireland, Lithuania, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Bolivia, Turkey, and Vietnam.

BAD LOVE also placed No. 1 on QQ Music’s digital album sales chart in China, topped Japanese music chart Recochoku, and ranked No. 1 on music streaming site VIBE.

Watch ‘BAD LOVE’:

The announcement of KBS’s “Music Bank” new MC’s have just been confirmed, it’s none other than the charismatic Sunghoon of ever loved boy group ENHYPEN and the beautiful talent and former IZ*ONE member Jang WonYoung!

On September 27, KBS revealed that Sunghoon and Jang WonYoung will be taking the place of the current “Music Bank” MC’s TXT‘s Soobin and OH MY GIRL’s Arin starting October 8, 2021.

It is said that Sunghoon and Jang WonYoung are practicing very hard for their first debut broadcast as the host duo for Music Bank, which will include a special stage together. 

The big day has come for Bobby and his Fiancée as they welcomed their first born, after waiting a month since his handwritten letter announcement to his fans, iKONIC’s and fans everywhere sent them their blessings and best wishes to the newly parents!

A source from YG Entertainment had confirmed on September 27, 2021 that Bobby contacted them about the arrival of their baby boy.

“Bobby informed us that he recently welcomed a baby boy.”

Recently the ever loved barrier and standard breaking solo artist Wonho did a pictorial for Beauty Plus Magazine October Issue, during this Wonho sat down post-shoot for an interview and opened up about what he hopes to achieve with his transformation for his recent comeback! Wonho continued to speak about wanting to try something new for his latest mini album “Blue Letter”.

While posing for the magazine, Wonho impressed the staff not only with his handsome looks and undeniable charisma he radiates, but also with how he was constantly thinking about his fans [WEENEE] at every moment he was there. Looking at his photos from the shoot, Wonho remarked: 

“I think my fans will like these”, which made the staff exclaim, “This is why it’s impossible not to fall for Wonho”.

Wonho then went on to speak about his new album:

“Because what I paid the most attention to for this mini album was the message, I wrote music that could convey that message well, rather than music that plunges into the depths of melancholy, I purposely wrote music with the opposite vibe, even if it felt a bit unfamiliar.”

Wonho decided to share that he had wanted to show a new side of himself, even if it meant leaving behind his usual “powerful” image and venturing into territory that he felt less confident about.

“The Wonho that is powerful on stage and the easygoing, chill Wonho of this album: I wanted to try both,” he said. “Since I’ve been showcasing a powerful image for so long, I’m inevitably better at that, but what I want to show is relaxed music. And I also think that’s a side of me that my fans wanted to see.”

[September 24, 2021] 2021년 38주차

#1- Sticker - The 3rd Album

Taking week 38′s top spot is none other than one of the most anticipated group comebacks of the year, out of many, NCT 127 with “Sticker”! The group as of September 24, 2021 at 12PM KST, they officially went on record by achieving an astounding 2,152,399 copies in physical album sales, within the first week. Flashback: NCT 127 had first earned the title of 'million sellers' with their 2nd full album “NCT #127 Neo Zone”, released in 2020. Now with this, it was expected and well deserved, NCT 127 continues to prove they’re a force to be reckoned with. 

“You know how NCT 127 always brings an impact? It has a lot of impact and a lot of dynamics, I feel like ‘Sticker’ was a different type of impact. And it’s a type of impact that we’ve never touched before, and in terms of that, fans can really be impressed. It’s a new type of feel.” -Mark

#2- ZERO : FEVER Part.3

In the 2nd spot is the powerhouse of visuals, vocals, energetic stage presence, choreographies, the list goes on, ATEEZ with Part 3 of their iconic ZERO : FEVER series. Little to say, ATEEZ being the global sensations for the newer generation of K-Pop stans specifically, this spot on top of the charts was expected as ATINY are passionate about their boys getting the success they deserve. September 20, 2021, Billboard confirmed that ATEEZ’s latest, “ZERO: FEVER Part.3” had debuted at No.42 on its “Top 200 Albums chart”, their weekly ranking of the most popular albums in the United States. This being the first time the group has appeared on BB charts. 

“During these [promotional activities for ‘Zero: Fever Pt. 3’], I want to hear [from fans and listeners] that ATEEZ aren’t limited to a certain spectrum” -San

#3- LALISA

In the third place and still topping charts her 2nd week in a row is none other than BLACKPINK’s Lisa on her first ever solo debut. Which is proving that even alone promoting as a solo artist, she is her own powerhouse, able to make it globally and trend, which is almost impossible amongst soloist K-Pop idols. “LALISA” was played more in South Korea in the past week than all of the following videos combined: “Red Lipstick” (2,977,000), Lim Young-woong’s “My Starry Love” (3,748,000), the ‘special stage’ version of “LALISA” (4,715,000) and NCT 127’s “Lemonade” (5,644,000).

“I wanted to show you who I am through my first single and solo album. The title song “Lalisa,” is also my real name, and it’s full of my confidence. I’ve often said to Blinks [Blackpink fans], “Always be confident,” and I wanted to deliver this message through this record. Both the title song and the B-track, “Money,” are songs that I really enjoy dancing and rapping to myself.” -Lisa

#4- Butter

Still remaining in the top 5 consecutively, is none other than the global legends and role models for many, BTS. On September 23, the ‘Recording Industry Association of America’ announced three new certifications for BTS’s global hit single “Butter”, taking gold, platinum, and double platinum. This being the second time that BTS has achieved a “double platinum” certification in the United States, after “Dynamite” first did in March. Easy to say, BTS continue to break record after record and easily is one of most successful K-Pop groups, being idols to many, even idols themselves.

“We miss you ... We’ve waited for this for like, more than two months, so just enjoy it [and] dance to it. Let’s just flow and go smooth like butter. That’s it.” -RM

#5- Blue Letter

Finally coming in at #5 is the K-Pop icon WONHO, Wonho has been an icon from the early days, being as he was in the forever iconic group Monsta X, before moving solo with his official debut in September of 2020 with EP “Love Synonym Pt.1″. Wonho continues to break barriers of what the “standard” is in the K-Pop industry, which makes him ever more special for fans all over and some idols themselves, Wonho helps and preaches to everyone to feel brave and be themselves, so it’s no surprise we are seeing him top charts as a solo act with his already loving personality and his great music.

“It’s my message to those who are feeling lost, depressed or having a hard time, I hope they get good vibes and positive energy from listening to my album, and gain strength to overcome what they’re going through.” -Wonho

On September 23, 2021, PERFECTION everywhere received the heart breaking news of their idols group disbandment. 100% has worked hard and had a long career, debuting in 2012, along with the emotional journey with themselves and their fans, so this news comes as a heart break to many fans. 

The agency and members took to their social media accounts for their statements and to express gratitude to PERFECTION.

TOP Media’s Statement:

“Our sincere thanks to the fans who have loved and supported the members of 100%.

TOP Media’s exclusive contracts with 100% members Rockhyun, Jonghwan, Chanyong, and Hyukjin expire on October 9, 2021. After deep discussions with the members, we have decided to end 100%’s activities.

After debuting in September 2012, 100% actively promoted for nine years in Korea and Japan and received much love for their performance and vocal skills.

We sincerely thank the members, who have worked with us at TOP Media for a long time, and we will continue to cheer on their futures.

We ask fans for their warm interest and support for Rockhyun, Jonghwan, Chanyong, and Hyukjin’s new starts.

Thank you.”

100% Members Statement:

“This is our last farewell as 100%. It’s really difficult to leave a place where you’ve stayed for so long. It’s been a long time, but now that it’s passed, it also feels quite short.

As 100% members and as each other’s colleagues, the past nine years were a very valuable time for us. We thank PERFECTION for loving us even when we were lacking. Our twenties were fun and happy because we spent it with you. In the future, we wish each other nothing but happiness and we will soon greet you with new images.

Thanks to PERFECTION, we were able to stay strong, have fun, and be happy. Thanks to PERFECTION, we had a happy youth. Be happy, everyone.

Thank you for loving 100% until now. We will soon greet you with a different image.

Signed, 100%’s Rockhyun, Hyukjin, Chanyong, Jonghwan”

NCT 127 has just earned their 1st trophy with their latest title track “Sticker”.

On September 23, NCT 127’s “Sticker” and BLACKPINK’s Lisa’s solo track “LALISA” were both nominated for first place spot, with “Sticker” undoubtedly taking the final win!

NCT 127 members Johnny, Taeyong, and Haechan took to making their speech for their win to express gratitude to NCTzens;

“We’ve finally got our first win. Although all our members could not be with us right now, we will be on ‘M Countdown’ next week, so we ask for everyone’s anticipation and support until then. We hope that our fans will stay happy and healthy.”

WATCH:

[September 17, 2021] 2021년 37주차

#1- LALISA

As expected, this weeks chart topper is none other than the solo debut of BLACKPINK’s LISA with her chart topping short album, ‘LALISA’! Lisa had a highly anticipated solo debut all across the globe so, it’s no surprise we will be seeing the artist on charts often. Just with her debut music video ‘LALISA’, Lisa broke the solo artist YouTube record, in the 24 hour period she surpassed Taylor Swift’s hit track ‘ME!’ (which held the record with 65.2 Million) with 73.6 Million views.

“I don't write lyrics, but Teddy always asks me: “Do you have anything you want to deliver to the fans? What's the vibe you want to do?” I told him that in “Lalisa,” I wanted to put some Thai vibes in it, and he actually put some Thai traditional music into the dance break. This is my first solo, and I want to represent that I'm Thai to all the fans around the world.” -Lisa

#2- STEREOTYPE 

Coming in the second spot is the shining and quickly on the rise of world domination with their trendy chart topping hits, girl group, STAYC, with their recent comeback ‘STEREOTYPE’. Quickly after the release, music journalists and netizens all over referred to them as “most promising girl group that prove they are anything but cliché”. Fact: STEREOTYPE was written for the girls even before their debut. 

“This is a song that we received when we had been chosen for the debut lineup, it felt too much of a waste to keep it to ourselves and we wanted to share it with fans as soon as possible, it’s very meaningful for us to be releasing it now, and since we practiced it for so long, we have confidence in it.” -Seeun

#3- Butter

On August 27, 2021 BTS released another version and visualizer of ‘Butter’ featuring the American rapper and songwriter artist Megan Thee Stallion, with this release quickly making trends in dancing and on social media platforms everywhere, even bringing in many fans of Megan Thee Stallion to stream, it was expected the global icons would be returning to the charts with the album ‘Butter’ in general. 

“I started thinking more about the inner essence of myself and people, I want to make songs that remain in people’s minds for a long time.” -RM

#4- LALISA (Kit)

The kit version of LALISA comes in at the #4 spot with its also high astounding sales. You can get this copy, if not sold out, on almost any official K-Pop selling sites or through official stores such as Amazon and K-Pop stores in cities near you even. 

“I wanted to show you who I am through my first single and solo album. The title song “Lalisa,” is also my real name, and it’s full of my confidence. I’ve often said to Blinks [Blackpink fans], “Always be confident,” and I wanted to deliver this message through this record. Both the title song and the B-track, “Money,” are songs that I really enjoy dancing and rapping to myself.” -Lisa

#5- HIDE & SEEK

Coming in at #5 is the on the rise, unique sound, charismatic, and energetic girl group ‘PURPLE KISS’ with their latest release ‘HIDE & SEEK’. With their visually pleasing Music Video just in time for the Halloween season, title track ‘Zombie’ currently sitting at 16.4 Million views and continuing to rise everyday as the group continues to draw attention of fans who enjoy the different types of music in the K-Pop genre and several girl group fans looking for new faces. Easy to say the girl group will continue to draw in fans and continue to smash the charts in the future.

“The chorus was nicely done, with it adding a nice additional layer of perkiness to the song. The ‘Zombie, B, B, B’ hook was a refreshing one and definitely quite addictive. It was also one that grew on me very fast I had to hold myself back from replaying the song for the umpteenth time, so that I could review the song (though I was tempted to just have it on a loop for the rest of the night and do nothing – lazy me strikes again). What also was quite impressive about Zombie was the vocals and rapping. All was superb throughout the song, with their strong vocals and powerful rapping on full display.” -Reviewer via. KPop Reviewed

The time has come! We have gotten the final lineup announcement of 2021′s Incheon 12th Annual K-Pop Concert. Established in 2009, this will be the 12th Incheon K-Pop Concert to take place! 

Note *the upcoming Incheon K-Pop Concert will be held September 25, 2021 and will be broadcasted live through the concert’s official website (www.inkconcert.com), YouTube channel: The K-POP, Naver V LIVE, and the U+ Idol Live app. Alike the 2021 INK concert will be streamed online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic*

2021 MC’s

Jeno [NCT] & Baek Jiheon [fromis_9]

2021 Performer Lineup 

Left to Right

NCT 127, THE BOYZ, æspa, STAYC

fromis_9, ONF, WOODZ, CIX

EVERGLOW, CRAVITY, EPEX

Top to Bottom

Tune in before hand for a special program taking place before the concert that showcases Incheon’s charms and major tourist locations through XR (extended reality) technology. K-pop celebrities will personally introduce these tourist spots and have special performances there! Allowing K-pop fans from all over the globe to travel across Incheon together. Events have been prepared for artists to communicate with global fans and to promote Incheon tourism along the way!

Needless to say, this year we will have a star studded lineup for ‘The Fact Music Awards 2021′.

On September 13, the organizing committee for The Fact Music Awards officially announced that Kang Daniel, CRAVITY, and Weeekly had joined the lineup for the upcoming ceremony on October 2, 2021. 

Announced Artists as of September 13, 2021:

Left to right:

BTS, SEVENTEEN, ITZY, Stray Kids

ATEEZ, THE BOYZ, Super Junior, Oh My Girl

Brave Girls, ENHYPEN, ASTRO, STAYC

Hwang Chi Yeul, Kang Daniel, CRAVITY, Weeekly

a brief look through the 3 generations

[2008] 2nd Generation: SHINee

Taemin debuted as a member of one of K-Pop's biggest early powerhouses, SHINee, in May of 2008 under SM Entertainment with the track "Replay", that to this day is one of the most known K-Pop songs in the industry covered by many of the biggest idols and groups in the industry. What makes SHINee special? They experiment with sound and incorporate contemporary music, they've continued to break record after record with their ever-evolving music, breathtaking visuals, unique outfit designs and stage presence, love for their fans "Shawol", complex dance choreography, and international success (specifically in Japan). The member who stood basking in the glory of those dance moves was none other than Taemin, the youngest and maknae of the group who has gave over a decade to his K-Pop career. Taemin's solo career and success has also brought more love to his original place, in SHINee.

[2014] 3rd Generation: Solo

Earning the ever known famous nickname "Dancing Machine". Taemin no doubt found success in a solo career as well with his striking charisma and vibrant persona that attracts all. He debuted with his album “Ace”, which was the opposite of the light-hearted, bright SHINee style concept everyone was used to. Solo, he showcased his true self, with his distinctive persona that was instantly recognizable due to his intricate style of dancing, feminine fashion style, and heavy make-up. He broke out when he broke K-Pop stereotypes with his release of the second album title track MV "MOVE". Involving both female and male dancers doing complicated choreography that blurred masculine and feminine roles at the same time. The concept that was basically alien to the K-Pop scene at the time. "MOVE" went viral as soon as it released, dance and music covers released by fans and several fellow idols. The viral phenomenon was called the “Move Disease”, showing Taemin was far from ending his solo career. Many Taemin songs have hit global charts as well, which is almost impossible as a solo act in K-Pop.

[2019] 4th Generation: SuperM